EML ElectroComp Model 400/401

EML's 400/401 ElectroComp is a rare semi-modular analog
synthesizer/sequencer that first appeared in 1970 and although it was
produced until 1984, roughly 300 were made. The synthesizer (401)
component can be considered a scaled down version of the EML 500 in some ways. It looks very similar in
color and layout but lacks a built-in keyboard. It retains patch-cord
signal patching and editing associated with modular synths as well as
some switches. Dual VCOs produce a monophonic analog sound which can be
shaped by the multimode resonant VCF (filter) with switchable hi, low and
band pass filtering. Only sawtooth, square and noise waveforms are
available from the oscillators. The envelope section offers only attack
and release control (the EML 500 envelope
section added sustain).

Complementing the EML 401 modular component is the 400 system which, as
seen above, is covered with dozens of switches and sliders. Basically
it's an analog sequencer component. It is a 12-tone diatonic sequencer
with a digitally controlled voltage quantizer built-in - a sophisticated
feature for the time. This allows for a variable number of
steps-per-octave ranging from 5 to 60...a very unusual feature which
makes the unit very useful for those exploring alternate/microtonal
tunings. It also offered voltage controlled envelope generators in 16
stages! These could be programmed for creating pretty wild sequences and
patterns.

The EML 400 and 401 system was a response to the popular Moog and ARP
modulars from the era. It offered new ways of synthesizing classic
analog sounds which may not have been better than its competition, but
it certainly was unique. Today these rare instruments can still be found
in use by synth anoraks around the world.

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